The Asian Development Bank has approved a $10 million financing package for the Responsible Forestry Project Phase I in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This initiative aims to combat forest degradation, enhance climate resilience, and improve livelihoods for forest-dependent communities, marking ADB's first forestry investment in Laos in a decade.
French farmers have escalated protests across the country, blocking motorways and access to ski resorts, to voice strong opposition to the EU-Mercosur free-trade agreement. Citing concerns over unfair competition and differing production standards, unions have called for the deal's rejection, leading to a postponement of the crucial vote.
The White House has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, citing 'climate alarmism.' The move, confirmed by OMB Director Russell Vought, has drawn strong criticism from scientists and lawmakers concerned about its impact on weather forecasting and climate research.
The German government has approved legislation to include wolves in hunting law, simplifying the culling of 'problem wolves' responsible for livestock attacks. This decision, backed on December 17, 2025, aims to balance conservation with agricultural concerns, while financial support for protective measures continues.
Norwegian authorities have fined oil giant Equinor 220 million NOK and confiscated 500 million NOK for severe pollution violations at its Mongstad refinery. The penalty, totaling 720 million NOK, stems from years of inadequate maintenance, which Equinor plans to contest in court.
Ireland's Minister of State for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley, is seeking legal advice after the country's Hague Preferences were blocked during the recent EU Fisheries Council. This unprecedented move, alongside significant quota reductions for 2026, is anticipated to have a 'catastrophic' impact on the Irish fishing sector, threatening jobs and economic stability.
Greek authorities have successfully dismantled a criminal organization involved in the illegal import and trafficking of refrigerants from Albania. A coordinated police operation in Kastoria led to four arrests and the seizure of over 1.3 tonnes of refrigerant, valued at approximately €58,000.
Iceland has committed to achieving fossil fuel-free domestic flights by 2040, aligning with its broader carbon neutrality goals. This ambitious target is supported by investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) produced from green hydrogen and the planned adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft for its short domestic routes.
Paris observed the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on December 12, 2025, with a low-key reception, reflecting evolving climate policy priorities in France. The landmark accord, adopted in 2015, aimed to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a goal still facing significant challenges despite progress in renewable energy.
Brazil's Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) has filed a lawsuit seeking an urgent ruling to suspend state-owned Petrobras' license for oil drilling in the environmentally sensitive Foz do Amazonas basin. The MPF cites structural flaws in environmental studies and a lack of protection for fishing communities.
Aurania Resources Ltd. has been granted three new exploration licenses—Epona, Taranis, and Bélénos—in the Brittany Peninsula and northern Pays de la Loire, France. These licenses target polymetallic metals, including gold, and aim to explore the South Armorican Shear Zone, aligning with France's and the EU's goals for securing domestic metal supplies.
Environmental Action Germany (DUH) has filed a lawsuit against the state of Berlin, alleging a failure to update its Energy and Climate Protection Program (BEK) and insufficient progress towards climate targets. The group demands concrete measures to accelerate CO2 reduction.
Ofgem has approved early investment for three major UK electricity transmission projects: Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3), Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4), and the Grimsby to Walpole National Grid Connection (GWNC). These 'superhighways' aim to enhance energy security, integrate more clean power, and are projected to save consumers billions by reducing grid constraint costs.
Over 230 environmental groups in the US have called for a national moratorium on new data center construction, citing escalating concerns over their significant energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and vast water usage, urging Congress to enact stronger regulations.
Effective December 8, 2025, individuals granted International Protection in Ireland will generally need five years of reckonable residence before applying for citizenship, an increase from the previous three-year rule. This change aligns their requirements with other naturalisation applicants and is part of broader migration reforms. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the old rule.
The Argentine province of Neuquén, a region with an economy heavily reliant on oil, gas, mining, and agriculture, has launched a subnational carbon registry. Established in 2024 under Provincial Law No. 3454, this registry features voluntary registration, robust auditing requirements, and is designed with Article 6 compatibilities of the Paris Agreement, aiming to foster a low-emission economy.
Colibri Resource Corporation has initiated a new drilling program at its 100%-owned EP Gold Project, a 4,766-hectare property located in the prolific Caborca Gold Belt of Sonora, Mexico. The program, focusing on the San Perfecto and Banco de Oro targets, marks a significant phase in the company's exploration efforts in the region.
The Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival has announced its 2026 program, featuring 27 concerts and 12 world premieres from March 11 to April 19. Under the theme of 'instrumental utopia,' the 42nd edition will utilize unique venues like the Prince's Car Collection and the Oceanographic Museum, blending classical and contemporary music.
A significant 688-hectare reforestation project has been initiated at Talia Station on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula by Land Life and Carbon2Nature Australia. The initiative aims to restore critically endangered native woodlands, generate approximately 114,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units, and foster cultural reconnection with Traditional Owners.
Norway and Latvia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a significant green hydrogen production facility in Liepāja. The project, involving over €550 million investment, aims for 150,000 tons annual production and will create at least 100 jobs, bolstering Latvia's energy independence and supporting EU decarbonization goals.
